That helps explain why my orthopedist was so totally useless for my piriformis syndrome/siatica. Like my peripheral neuropathy that started about 14 years ago, the medical profession did more harm than good.

I got my PN under control and largely healed thanks to the PN forum here and the PN forum in BrainTalk at Mass. Gen. before that and my own efforts. I'm going through a similar process now with the piriformis syndrome: learning, trying different "complementary" therapies, and setting up my own program.

It's a shame I wasted so much time and energy with the orthopedist and trying to get an MRI as the pain got worse and worse. The MRI was clear, That says a lot. It's not due to a tumor, cyst, or blood vessel problem. I'm currently doing daily stretches and strengthening exercises, and seeing an excellent massage therapist who does myofascial release and has a profound understanding of how the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and fascia all work together, or fail to work well together.

One thing I learned is the sooner you get this fixed, the better. Another way of saying that is the more chronic and painful it becomes, the harder it is to turn around.